Muscle Talent Scan

Non-invasive muscle fiber typing

Using NMR spectroscopy scans (carnosine levels), the ratio between fast and slow muscle fibers in the athlete’s body can be accurately estimated. Comparing these results with a large collection of data from both athletes and the general population can reveal a genetic endowment for endurance or sprinting activities. This can be relevant in talent identification, training optimization (recuperation time) and muscle injury risk.

Human skeletal muscles are composed of a mixture of fast and slow fibers. Born sprinters have predominantly fast fibers, endurance athletes have relatively more slow fibers. This fiber type distribution is a crucial factor in various sport disciplines. However, it is rarely measured because it used to require an invasive, painful and complicated muscle biopsy and analysis.

Prof. Dr. Wim Derave

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Victoris is a multidisciplinary group of Ghent University (Hospital) researchers and clinical specialists, with a special focus on sports technology and innovation. The consortium facilitates knowledge transfer activities and research collaborations with companies, start-ups, research institutions, clubs, etc. offering unparalleled expertise and access to leading-edge equipment.